Typhoon Kalmaegi had directly affected the Tonkin Gulf and Vietnam's northern coastal provinces by 7:00pm on September 16, bringing heavy rain and whirlwinds, according to the Central Meteorology Hydrology Forecast Centre.

Trees are fallen in streets at Do Son Town, northern Quang Ninh Province, on September 16. -- Photo dantri

Strongest winds of 118-133km per hour were recorded in Hai Phong city's Bach Long Vi island and Quang Ninh province's Co To island. Meanwhile, coastal localities from Hai Phong to Nam Dinh were also affected.

People of Quang Ninh Province prepare for the Kalmaegi storm.

The centre forecast that in the next 6-12 hours, Kalmaegi, the third tropical storm so far this year, will move fast west-northwestwards with a speed of 30 km per hour.

In the following 12-24 hours, the typhoon will continue its west-northwestern direction, entering deeply the mainland and then weakening to a tropical low pressure.

It is predicted to reach upper Laos' mountains at about 4:00 pm on September 17, packing winds of below 39km per hour.

Ha Long City in the afternoon of September 16.

In response to the typhoon, the Prime Minister on September 16 requested local authorities, ministries and agencies evacuate residents in low-lying areas, and help vessels anchor in safety.

After sweeping out of the Philippines, Kalmaegi headed towards Hong Kong, bringing strong winds and rain that caused flight disruptions and forced the closure of the stock market and container ports.